Mukkabaaz

Anurag Kashyap's Mukkabaaz (2017) takes an unconventional take on sports drama genre by intertwining the spheres of boxing, politics and society in a small town of Uttar Pradesh, in India. This movie is an extra-ordinary portrayal of the grit and raw emotions of an underdog who aspires to excel in the world of Boxing

Largely hinged upon its central character Shravan Kumar, portrayed by Vineet Kumar Singh, Mukkabaaz is an enthralling story of a fighter who doesn’t only box in the ring, but also in his life, fighting against societal restrictions, political oppressions and institutional corruption. Vineet displays an impressive range of emotions, capturing the pathos, fierceness, tenderness and sheer focus required of his character. He impressively metamorphoses into his character for his role, training rigorously for over a year in professional boxing to convincingly depict the life of a pugilist, shaping the character of Shravan as someone who is endearing yet rebellious, rooted yet ambitious.

The film’s antagonist is a local godfather and boxing federation boss, Bhagwan Das Mishra, played with chilling brilliance by Jimmy Shergill. His character represents the venal and controlling side of small town politics. Yet he delivers a nuanced performance, where his menacing crabbiness is finely tinted with some ridiculous comical nuances and an unanticipated vulnerability.

Zoya Hussain, who plays the love interest of the protagonist, is another highlight of this movie. She is deaf and mute in the plot which brings an added complexity to her role. Zoya gives a remarkable performance, and her romantic angle with Vineet, riddled with societal complications, actuates some unexpected turns in the narrative.

Anurag Kashyap, as the director, wonderfully marries multiple themes together- caste discrimination, corruption in sports, gender inequality, and the decaying system of institutional power. The scope of this movie is much more than just a sports drama or a star-crossed love story, it is a reflection on the grim realities discrimination and corruption prevailing in India’s hinterland.

The film blends its important social commentary with moments of dry humor that provide the audience with occasional relief without ever cheapening or overlooking the profound issues at hand. Kashyap further instills a gritty authenticity to the narrative by bringing the milieu of Uttar Pradesh alive on the screen with local dialects, locations, and idiosyncrasies.

The screenplay by Anurag Kashyap, Vineet Kumar Singh, Mukti Singh Srinet, K.D. Satyam is well-paced allowing the audience to connect with the characters in their journey. It’s supported by commendable dialogues that capture the spirit of the region and its people. The physicality of the movie, the boxing scenes, are shot with a sense of realism and raw energy that mirror the protagonist’s struggle and aspirations.

The sound design deserves an accolade as it is used effectively to navigate the narrative without being too manipulative. The score of the movie, composed by Rachita Arora, is eclectic and evocative. The music is varied, ranging from folk, hip-hop to contemporary, each capturing the mood and the essence of the narrative.

In conclusion, Mukkabaaz is an exceptional film which explores various societal issues through personal narratives and an engaging plot. Anurag Kashyap’s directorial prowess combined with Vineet Kumar’s singular performance and the dynamic ensemble cast creates a deeply affecting sports film. The emotional journey of an underdog boxer, intertwined with a poignant love story and layered with biting social commentary, Mukkabaaz proves not only to be an engrossing sports drama but a broader comment on society. Structurally ambitious, emotionally powerful and socially poignant, this film presents a theatrical experience worth remembering.